Sean Hurley
Encyclopedia
Sean Hurley was an Irish
Sinologist who spent the years 1905 to 1915 in China. He was the first known Irishman to hold a Chinese passport.
, West Cork
, Hurley began to travel in his teens then in 1905 he started with the British Customs Service in Shanghai and travelled around China until 1915. He was one of the few westerners to venture into the Sino-Russian war zone. He learned Chinese and helped to train activists loyal to Sun Yat-sen
, who came to power in 1912 and honoured Hurley with gifts and a Chinese passport.
. It was described at the time as the most ambitious Irish film made to date. He was later involved in establishing Aer Lingus
and what was to become the IDA
.
Hurley died in 1961.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
Sinologist who spent the years 1905 to 1915 in China. He was the first known Irishman to hold a Chinese passport.
China
Born in DurrusDurrus
Durrus is a village located in West Cork, six miles from Bantry, County Cork, Ireland. It is situated at the head of the Sheep's Head and Mizen Head Peninsulas. A number of public gardens have been established in the area, including 'Kilvarock' and 'Cois Abhann'...
, West Cork
West Cork
West Cork refers to a geographical area in south-west Ireland, lying within Ireland's largest county, County Cork. Traditionally a popular tourist destination, the area is seen as being distinct from the more populated northern or eastern parts of the county, as well as the more urban area of...
, Hurley began to travel in his teens then in 1905 he started with the British Customs Service in Shanghai and travelled around China until 1915. He was one of the few westerners to venture into the Sino-Russian war zone. He learned Chinese and helped to train activists loyal to Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
, who came to power in 1912 and honoured Hurley with gifts and a Chinese passport.
Return to Ireland
He returned to Ireland in 1915, and opened two photographic studios in Dublin and later produced a silent film Land of her Fathers involving many Abbey actors including Barry FitzgeraldBarry Fitzgerald
Barry Fitzgerald was an Irish stage, film and television actor.-Life:He was born William Joseph Shields in Walworth Road, Portobello, Dublin, Ireland. He is the older brother of Irish actor Arthur Shields. He went to Skerry's College, Dublin, before going on to work in the civil service, while...
. It was described at the time as the most ambitious Irish film made to date. He was later involved in establishing Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus Group Plc is the flag carrier of Ireland. It operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft serving Europe and North America. It is Ireland's oldest extant airline, and its second largest after low-cost rival Ryanair...
and what was to become the IDA
IDA Ireland
IDA Ireland is the agency responsible for industrial development in Ireland. The agency was founded in 1949 as the Industrial Development Authority and placed on a statutory footing a year later...
.
Hurley died in 1961.